Dual Idler Rolls for Corn Header

Abstract

A first snap roll corresponding with one row unit and another pair of rolls corresponding with another adjacent row unit of a harvesting header where the first snap roll and the pair of rolls are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks in the crop passage between the row units toward the one row unit. In one embodiment, the pair of offset rolls are unpowered idler rolls.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pair of forward-extending row units wherein a first row unit of said pair of row units comprises a first stripper plate and wherein a second row unit of said pair of row units comprises a second stripper plate, said first and second stripper plates opposing one another to at least partially define a first crop passage for receiving crop stalks and to remove useable parts from the crop stalks gathered in said first crop passage, said first row unit further comprising a first snap roll and said second row unit further comprising second and third rolls wherein said first snap roll oppose said second and third snap rolls across said first crop passage. 
     
     
         2 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said first snap roll is powered and said second and third snap rolls are unpowered. 
     
     
         3 . The pair of row units of  claim 2  wherein said unpowered snap rolls are idler rolls. 
     
     
         4 . The pair of row units of  claim 2  wherein said powered snap roll and said unpowered snap rolls are all at different heights relative the ground. 
     
     
         5 . The pair of row units of  claim 4  wherein each said unpowered snap roll of said pair of unpowered snap rolls are offset from one another relative their distance from the ground to urge the crop stalks toward said first row unit. 
     
     
         6 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said second and third snap rollers are smooth. 
     
     
         7 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said first row unit comprises at least one gathering auger and said first, second and third snap rolls cooperate with one another to urge the crop stalks toward said gathering auger. 
     
     
         8 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said first and second stripper plates are offset from one another relative the ground to urge the crop stalks toward said first row unit. 
     
     
         9 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said first snap roll is operated at different speeds relative to said second and third snap rolls. 
     
     
         10 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said first snap roll comprises a plurality of knives and said second and third snap rolls are smooth, said first, second and third snap rolls cooperating with one another to chop crop stalk passing between said first and second snap rolls and again when passing between said first and third snap rolls. 
     
     
         11 . The pair of row units of  claim 1  wherein said second and third snap rolls are both parallel and vertically aligned relative one another.